Italy
Going around the world and encountered countless Italian whale watchers, we came to realise something surprising—very few Italians were aware that whale watching is actually possible in Italy. Many traveled all the way to Iceland or other distant destinations worldwide, only to discover that whales can be found right outside their doorstep.
In the Ligurian Sea, along the northwestern Italian coast, the Pelagos Sanctuary for Marine Mammals was established years ago. These waters are home to up to eight different cetacean species, including the second-largest whale—the fin whale—as well as sperm whales, pilot whales, the mysterious Cuvier’s beaked whales, and several dolphin species such as the bottlenose, striped, and common dolphin. The best time for sightings is from spring to early autumn, with the peak summer months offering the highest chances of encounters and the most tour availability.
Although whales and dolphins can be observed throughout the Mediterranean, the Ligurian Sea remains one of the most significant hotspots for cetacean sightings along the Italian coast.
Unlike popular whale-watching destinations worldwide, tours in the Ligurian Sea often require boats to travel miles offshore before encountering marine life. The experience itself is unique, as passengers first embark along the coast before heading out to open sea in search of whales and dolphins.
The boats used for these tours are large vessels, carrying up to 200–300 passengers, which helps minimize the number of boats on the water and reduces disturbance to marine life. In addition, encounters with other vessels are rare due to the vast scouting area.
Overall, compliance with whale-watching guidelines is quite good. The captains and crew are experienced, respecting the regulations and ensuring a pleasant experience for both passengers and animals. The elevated spotting point on these boats allow crew members to spot whales in advance, adjusting speed and course accordingly to minimize disturbance.
The Pelagos Sanctuary lies within a heavily trafficked area, with ferries and cargo ships frequently passing through. This makes it even more critical for commercial whale-watching activities to be as low-impact as possible while also serving as an opportunity to raise awareness about the presence and vulnerability of these magnificent creatures.
While we focused mainly on the Ligurian Sea, whale and dolphin sightings occur along the entire Italian coastline. Some areas, such as Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Gulf of Naples, offer boat excursions and sailing trips where marine mammals, both large and small, can occasionally be observed. Although not as well-established as in northern waters, Italy has significant potential as a whale-watching destination—it’s just a matter of spreading awareness.
